Barrett Hayton Bio
Barrett Hayton is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for the Utah Mammoth in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on June 9, 2000, in Peterborough, Ontario, Hayton was selected fifth overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and began his NHL career in 2019.
Early Life and Background
Barrett Hayton grew up in Peterborough, Ontario, where he first played minor hockey with the Peterborough Petes before joining the Toronto Red Wings in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. He also played for Upper Canada College during the 2015–16 school year. His early exposure to competitive hockey helped develop his skills and hockey sense from a young age.
Hayton showed offensive promise early in his career, scoring 73 points in 59 games as a 15-year-old with the Toronto Red Wings. This performance led to his selection ninth overall in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection draft by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in 2016. He signed with the Greyhounds to begin his major junior career in the 2016–17 season.
Path to Hockey
In his rookie OHL season, Hayton was gradually integrated into the lineup, recording 27 points in 63 games. He improved significantly in the 2017–18 season, nearly reaching a point-per-game pace with 60 points in 63 games. His academic and athletic excellence earned him the Bobby Smith Trophy as the OHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year.
Hayton’s rising draft stock was reflected in his ranking among the top 10 North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau leading up to the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. His strong junior performances and leadership qualities positioned him as a top prospect for the NHL.
Barrett Hayton Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
After signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes in July 2018, Hayton began the 2018–19 season with the Coyotes but was reassigned to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds after two games. Upon returning to juniors, he was named team captain, demonstrating his leadership potential.
Hayton made his NHL debut on October 10, 2019, against the Vegas Golden Knights, recording his first NHL point with a secondary assist. He scored his first NHL goal on October 25, 2019, a game-winning goal against the New Jersey Devils. During the 2019–20 season, Hayton was loaned to Canada’s under-20 world junior team and later spent time with the Tucson Roadrunners in the American Hockey League (AHL) for conditioning.
Arizona Coyotes Breakthrough (2019–2023)
Hayton continued to develop with the Coyotes, including a loan to Finnish Liiga club Ilves during the 2020–21 season, where he recorded four assists in eight games. He returned to the Coyotes and split time between the NHL and AHL before solidifying his role on the NHL roster.
In the 2021–22 season, Hayton underwent wrist surgery but returned to play after missing 16 games. He signed a two-year contract extension with the Coyotes in September 2022. The 2022–23 season marked a career-high for Hayton, playing all 82 games and recording 19 goals, 24 assists, and 43 points while playing on the first line with Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz.
Hayton’s 2023–24 season was marred by injuries, including an upper-body injury in November 2023 and a lower-body injury in March 2024, limiting him to 10 points in 33 games. Despite setbacks, he remained a key player for the Coyotes franchise.
Utah Mammoth Era (2024–Present)
Following the suspension of the Arizona Coyotes franchise after the 2023–24 regular season, team assets were transferred to the expansion Utah Hockey Club, later named the Utah Mammoth. Hayton became a member of the new franchise and signed a two-year contract with Utah on July 8, 2024. This move marks a new chapter in his professional career as he aims to contribute to the Mammoth’s success.
Playing Style and Strengths
Barrett Hayton is known for his strong two-way play as a centre, combining offensive skill with defensive responsibility. His hockey IQ, vision on the ice, and ability to read plays make him effective in both creating scoring opportunities and supporting his team defensively. Hayton’s leadership qualities and work ethic complement his on-ice abilities.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hayton’s first NHL goal was a significant milestone, coming early in his rookie season and serving as the game-winner. He captained Canada’s under-20 world junior team to a gold medal at the 2020 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, tying the game in the third period of the final. His consistent development and resilience through injuries highlight his professional growth.
Barrett Hayton Career Wins
Throughout his career, Barrett Hayton has accumulated valuable experience and achievements at the junior and professional levels. His leadership in juniors and steady progression in the NHL underscore his potential for continued success.
OHL Highlights
Hayton’s tenure with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds featured his rise as a top prospect and team captain. His near point-per-game pace in the 2017–18 season and recognition as the OHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year demonstrate his all-around excellence.
Other Wins & Performances
Internationally, Hayton led Team Canada in goals at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and captained the under-20 team to a gold medal at the 2020 World Junior Championships, earning a spot on the IIHF World Under 20 Championship Media All-Star Team.
Barrett Hayton Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Barrett Hayton’s father, Brian Hayton, played as a defenceman for the Guelph Platers and Peterborough Petes in the 1980s before a brief professional career in the American Hockey League. Brian later coached in the Ontario Hockey League and became a high school teacher near Peterborough, providing a strong hockey influence during Barrett’s upbringing.
Personal Life
Details about Barrett Hayton’s personal life, including marital status and residence, are private and not publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season with the Utah Mammoth, Barrett Hayton aims to establish himself as a core player for the expansion franchise. Following his two-year contract signing in 2024, expectations include leveraging his NHL experience to contribute offensively and defensively. The new team environment offers Hayton opportunities to take on leadership roles and help shape the Mammoth’s competitive identity in the league.
His recovery from previous injuries and adaptation to the new team dynamics will be critical factors in his performance. Hayton’s skill set and work ethic position him well to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.